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Vape shop on Westport Avenue operating without permits; hearing continued as city pursues repeated violations
Summary
A vape store on Westport Avenue that city staff say opened and operated without proper permits and has prior citations was continued; staff noted prior police activity related to illicit sales and said enforcement could escalate if violations continue.
Staff told the Zoning Hearing Officer that the property at 336 Westport Avenue operates as a vape shop without city permits, with signage violations and a recent citation on file. The hearing officer continued the matter to allow the city to pursue the enforcement sequence for recurring violations.
Staff said the property has been before the hearing twice already for similar violations. The file includes prior citations and the city collected fines previously associated with earlier enforcement efforts. Staff noted there have also been police actions related to suspected illegal narcotics sales at the store; staff said the police have the authority to close the premises but had not done so.
Why it matters: operating a retail business without required licenses and with outstanding code violations raises public-safety and regulatory concerns, particularly when police have responded to related criminal complaints.
Outcome: The hearing officer continued the case to provide staff time to pursue the next administrative steps. No immediate closure order was issued at the hearing; staff indicated they will follow the established enforcement path and may coordinate with police if public-safety issues warrant additional action.
Ending: The matter will return to the hearing docket; staff said they would continue to document violations and pursue administrative remedies if noncompliance persists.
